William Cowper

Olney Hymn 21. Sardis

     (Revalations, iii. 1-6)

    "Write to Sardis," saith the Lord,
        "And write what He declares, 
    He whose Spirit, and whose word,
        Upholds the seven stars: 
    All thy works and ways I search,
        Find thy zeal and love decay'd; 
    Thou art call'd a living church,
        But thou art cold and dead.

    "Watch, remember, seek, and strive,
        Exert thy former pains; 
    Let thy timely care revive,
        And strengthen what remains; 
    Cleanse thine heart, thy works amend,
        Former times to mind recall, 
    Lest my sudden stroke descend,
        And smite thee once for all.

    "Yet I number now in thee
        A few that are upright; 
    These my Father's face shall see,
        And walk with me in white. 
    When in judgment I appear,
        They for mine shall be confess'd; 
    Let my faithful servants hear, --
        And woe be to the rest!"